HC Deb 01 February 1972 vol 830 cc68-9W
76. Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will improve the methods of advising hospitals, doctors and local authorities of the technical means by which handicapped persons' communication and environmental problems can be overcome; if he will consider holding a symposium on this subject for all interested parties; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what records are kept of specific individual environmental and communication problems solved for the physically handicapped; how such information is stored and distributed to hospitals, doctors and local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

Useful information is at present collected and published in a variety of ways by a large number of agencies including my Department, but I doubt whether it would be practicable to set up a central repository of information about all facilities for the physically handicapped. An investigation into needs in the field of equipment is, however, in progress including examination of practical measures, and we expect to receive a report shortly.